How to Become Nurse in Australia as an Overseas Nurse
There’s always room for growth when choosing a new career path. Nursing is one of the most fulfilling and dynamic professions, requiring a blend of compassion, resilience, and skill. For overseas nurses who are planning to become nurses in Australia, this roadmap on how to become a nurse in Australia will be a great starting point for understanding the processes involved.
The process of becoming a nurse in another country offers unique challenges and opportunities. It involves acquiring the necessary qualifications, understanding cultural differences in healthcare practices, and adapting to the specific needs of patients in diverse settings. Whether providing care in remote communities with limited access to medical resources or contributing to advanced healthcare systems in urban centers, nurses abroad play an important role in supporting and improving global health outcomes.
In Australia, nursing provides a wealth of opportunities for professional and personal growth. The country’s healthcare system offers a wide range of pathways for aspiring nurses, including general practice, specialized care, and community health. For those exploring how to become a nurse in Australia, understanding these pathways is essential. A key step in the process for overseas nurses is meeting the ANMAC requirements for overseas nurses, which ensures that international qualifications align with Australian standards. From meeting educational requirements to completing the registration process with AHPRA, this guide covers every aspect of the journey.
Internationally trained nurses play a key role in Australia’s healthcare system, addressing critical workforce needs while bringing diverse skills and perspectives to the profession. In 2023/24 alone, 16,622 internationally qualified nurses and midwives registered for the first time in Australia. To streamline their integration, initiatives like the Internationally Qualified Nurse and Midwife (IQNM) model have been introduced, simplifying registration for eligible practitioners from comparable regulatory jurisdictions. Practical measures, such as the establishment of an additional OSCE testing site in Melbourne, have reduced waiting times and increased accessibility. These efforts are complemented by orientation programs and standardized education modules that familiarize overseas-trained nurses with Australia’s healthcare framework, ensuring they are well-prepared to contribute.
The table provides data on nurse and midwife registrations across Australian states and territories in 2023/24. A total of 477,822 nurses were registered, including 464,212 with general registration. According to the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care, it is predicted that there will be a shortage of 85,000 nurses by 2025 and 123,000 nurses by 2030.
| Profession | Registration Type | ACT | NSW | NT | Qld | SA | Tas | Vic | WA | No PPP | Total |
| Nurse | General | 7,516 | 117,943 | 4,555 | 95,049 | 36,949 | 10,636 | 120,465 | 45,503 | 25,596 | 464,212 |
| Non-practising | 232 | 3,530 | 79 | 2,590 | 1,045 | 287 | 3,104 | 1,140 | 1,312 | 13,319 | |
| Provisional | 1 | 59 | 4 | 72 | 26 | 2 | 89 | 27 | 11 | 291 | |
| Total Nurse | 7,749 | 121,532 | 4,638 | 97,711 | 38,020 | 10,925 | 123,658 | 46,670 | 26,919 | 477,822 | |
| Nurse and Midwife | General | 387 | 6,656 | 438 | 5,234 | 1,466 | 599 | 7,592 | 2,747 | 233 | 25,352 |
| Non-practising | 27 | 308 | 7 | 139 | 72 | 15 | 197 | 71 | 33 | 869 | |
| Provisional | 0 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 6 | |
| Total Nurse and Midwife | 414 | 6,968 | 445 | 5,374 | 1,539 | 614 | 7,789 | 2,818 | 266 | 26,227 | |
| Midwife | General | 255 | 1,973 | 111 | 1,907 | 970 | 90 | 1,761 | 612 | 327 | 8,006 |
| Non-practising | 7 | 67 | 1 | 65 | 30 | 2 | 50 | 16 | 36 | 274 | |
| Provisional | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
| Total Midwife | 262 | 2,040 | 112 | 1,972 | 1,001 | 92 | 1,813 | 628 | 363 | 8,283 | |
| TOTAL | 8,425 | 130,540 | 5,195 | 105,057 | 40,560 | 11,631 | 133,260 | 50,116 | 27,548 | 512,332 | |
Step-by-Step Process on How to Become a Nurse in Australia as an Overseas Nurse
Step 1: Self-Check Process
The process begins with the self-check, where nurses must provide details of their qualifications to AHPRA and answer a few questions to confirm eligibility. While this step may seem simple, it’s important to make sure everything is in order to prevent any delays later. A genuine commitment to completing this phase properly is essential to keep the process moving forward smoothly.
The Self-Check evaluates three factors for the registration standards:
- Recognition of Qualifications for Registration in the overseas jurisdiction;
- Quality Assurance and Accreditation;
- AQF Level of Qualification.
Step 2: Stream Classification
Once the self-check is completed, you will be classified into one of the designated streams.
- Stream A – IQNMs who hold a qualification considered to be substantially equivalent or based on similar competencies to an approved qualification
- Stream B – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is relevant to the profession but is not substantially equivalent or based on similar competencies to an approved qualification
- Stream C – IQNMs who hold a qualification that is not substantially equivalent or relevant to an approved qualification
This classification determines the specific assessments you need to complete. At this stage, conflicting expectations can arise, as some may hope for instant results. However, each stream has distinct assessments, and skipping steps at this point can hinder your progress.
Below is an overview of the specific requirements for applicants in Streams A, B, and C.
- Stream A:
- Applicants are required to complete an online course, “Orientation Part 1,” about the Australian Healthcare Context.
- Stream B:
- Applicants must undergo the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) Process, which involves:
- Completing Orientation Part 1.
- Providing a portfolio (including qualifications and identification details/documentation).
- Passing the MCQ exam:
- NCLEX-RN for RNs
- Modified NME for MWs
- EN MCQ for ENs
- Passing the Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE):
- Available only in Adelaide (subject to GTE concerns)
- Different examinations for RNs, MWs, and ENs
- Applicants must undergo the Outcomes-Based Assessment (OBA) Process, which involves:
- Stream C:
- Applicants are required to complete a bridging course.
- Bridging courses are currently available only for Registered Nurses.
- Applicants are required to complete a bridging course.
Step 3: Payment of Assessment Fee & Document Submission
After receiving your classification, the next step is paying the assessment fee and uploading notarized documents to AHPRA. Attention to detail is important here to ensure that all documents meet Australian standards. Your portfolio, which includes your qualifications and registration information, should be complete and in alignment with Australian nursing standards.
Step 4: Orientation Part 1
Orientation Part 1 provides an overview of the Australian healthcare system and can be completed online from your own device. While it may seem tempting to rush through this part, understanding the system is key. The aim here is not just to meet a requirement, but to truly grasp the workings of the healthcare system in Australia. This part can be challenging, which is why it’s often underestimated by some nurses.
Step 5: Portfolio Submission
Once orientation is completed, you’ll need to submit your portfolio. This is an important phase, as your qualifications will be reviewed to ensure everything is complete. If any information is missing or incorrect, you may be asked to make corrections or resubmit your documents. Mistakes can happen, but this stage should be viewed as a chance for improvement rather than a setback.
Step 6: NCLEX-RN Exam
The NCLEX-RN exam is the next step, assessing your theoretical knowledge. This exam is a major milestone in the process, and proper preparation is important. The registration costs approximately $200 USD(The fee is subject to change depending on when you are reading this.), with an additional international scheduling fee of $150, this is necessary before moving on to the practical assessment.
Not all nurses need to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Nurses from recognized countries like the UK, USA, or Canada (Stream A) are usually exempt, as their qualifications are comparable to Australian standards. However, nurses from non-recognized countries, such as India or the Philippines (Stream B), must complete the NCLEX-RN to demonstrate their theoretical knowledge.
Step 7: OSCE (Objective Structured Clinical Exam)
After passing the NCLEX-RN exam, you will move on to the OSCE, which tests your practical nursing skills. You will need to travel to Australia to attend the exam.It is the final step before applying for your nursing license.
Step 8: Applying for Your Nursing License
Once you have completed both exams, you are ready to apply for your Registered Nurse License in Australia. With your license in hand, you can begin your nursing career in Australia, having navigated a process that requires attention to detail, thorough assessments, and proper documentation.
Meeting ANMAC Requirements for Overseas Nurses to Join Australia’s Healthcare Industry
The Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council is the national body responsible for evaluating the qualifications and skills of internationally trained nurses and midwives who wish to practice in Australia. ANMAC ensures that these healthcare professionals meet the high standards of the Australian healthcare system.
Who Can Apply for ANMAC Skills Assessment?
For overseas nurses searching for answers on how to become a nurse in Australia, understanding the eligibility criteria is essential. Here are the requirements to determine who can apply for the ANMAC Skills Assessment.
- Registered and qualified nurses and midwives from recognized countries.
- Nurses and midwives with conditional approval from the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra).
- Nurses and midwives registered in Australia or New Zealand.
- Health care workers with qualifications or experience in direct care roles.
ANMAC does not register nurses, midwives, or health care workers, as this responsibility falls under the NMBA. Additionally, ANMAC does not offer employment assistance, visa advice, or migration agent services. Moreover, ANMAC is not involved in delivering education programs, training, or providing guidance on industrial relations.
ANMAC Skills Assessment Process
The Department of Home Affairs relies on the skills assessment conducted by ANMAC to determine your eligibility for a skilled migration visa. ANMAC Requirements for Overseas Nurses evaluates your qualifications, experience, and skills to ensure they meet Australian standards. Based on the outcome of this assessment, the Department of Home Affairs can decide if you are eligible to migrate to Australia under a skilled visa category, ensuring that only qualified and competent nurses are allowed to practice in the country.
Need more detailed information about ANMAC Requirements for Overseas Nurses? Read our comprehensive coverage here.
